LRP at the Buffalo, Missouri Tea Party
This past weekend I was invited to speak at the Buffalo Tea Party. After attending the Missouri State Committee meeting, Josh and I drove to Buffalo where we met some amazing people. Below I have posted a write up about the event sent to me by Paul Beaird.
If you are ever in Buffalo, Missouri I encourage you to stop by The Mudd Cup on south Maple Street. Grover, the owner, hosted the Tea Party at his business and I can honestly say he gave me the best cup of hot cocoa I’ve ever had.
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Buffalo, Missouri hosted a surprisingly large turn out to its first Tea Party on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Organized by Grover Roberts, operator of The Mudd Cup on south Maple Street, this event was aided by the efforts of Steve Norris and Cliff Luber who had started a Tea Party organization in Camdenton, MO.
Beginning at 3:o’clock with food and get-acquainted time for residents of Buffalo, a handful of speakers began at 5:00 PM. There was time for anyone else to step to the microphone and say what he thought about the direction of America and about freedom. The last person left at 9:00.
The invocation was given by Mark Kiser, who said, “We need leadership. If we don’t give our lives to fight it, our children will live in tyranny.”
A count was taken at 3 times during the get-together. With most people arriving in time to hear the speakers, the count ranged between 88 and 102.
Catherine Bleish of St. Louis spoke on the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution and its provision for the individual States to protect citizens by resisting federal legislation on behalf of the people. Her impassioned delivery had people shouting in agreement.
Steve Norris of Camden spoke on the Mission and Education of the Tea Party movement. One of his outstanding statements was, “Ethics and truth are the basis of everything.”
Mike Smith of the Fair Tax organization said, “Eliminate income, corporate and hidden taxes and you will encourage businesses to create jobs and this is what truly stimulates the economy.”
Cliff Luber spoke on the subject of private health care vs. government-dominated health care. He inspired the crowd, saying, “Ronald Reagan restored Americans’ belief in themselves and in freedom. We can do that here again with this movement.”
Herb Brownell spoke on Socialism and Fascism. He cited examples in past and recent history to support his question, “Has there ever been a free election after a Marxist has gained the leadership of any nation? Why not require that past US Presidents and members of Congress pay the national debt that they voted for.” He spoke about the educational value of popular entertainment, when it is focused on freedom vs. government power. He said, “I wish someone would make a movie out of Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged.”
Ray Herron of Warsaw, spoke on the early Continental Congress, addressing the question, What can we do to turn the direction of our government around? He concluded, “Hold every elected official accountable.” In fact, it appears that one purpose for the national Tea Party movement is to be the local place any candidate needs to come to speak and answer questions that reflect the concern of citizens for the growth of freedom, instead of the growth of government.
Those of you who know Super Dave on Springfield radio had a chance to hear him in person. A popular speaker, he said, “I have a 12 year-old daughter and I can’t tell her, You already owe $150,000 in government debt, before she even begins her adult life.”
There was spirited debate among some folks after the official gathering was over. Plans were begun for Tea Parties to occur in Lebanon, Springfield and Bolivar. Today’s event and the future events to come include Buffalo, MO in the growing non-partisan political movement that will hold office holders and candidates accountable to the Freedom Philosophy.
Thanks to Grover Roberts and all who attended.
–Paul Beaird
